You have a strong GMAT and GPA. You are right in recognizing that there are many exceptional applicants form the Pacific Rim. Nevertheless, you are the sort of candidate who should be applying to selective schools. No one, however, is guaranteed acceptance. The schools on your list regularly turn down 800 GMAT scorers.
To stand out from the pool you will need to show how your skills and experience will add to your classmates' learning. What have you done that is different from what the other ibankers in the pool have done? Can you show learning from you time in Korea that would bring a fresh perspective to the class? How strong will your recommendations be? Will you have shown leadership on the job? One problem faced by people from the financial sector is that most organizations are very flat so that it is difficult to actually manage people or projects at the entry level.
Your entrepreneurial efforts are interesting and could make you stand out from the crowd, and you may be able to tell an engaging story based on your singing competition.
If you have identified a consistent problem that has kept you from reaching 750 or more than it may be worthwhile to retake the GMAT. Statistics show, however, that most people scoring 700+ drop when they retake the test. Only do so if you have reason to believe you can improve your score by 40 points or more.
Overall, you should be applying to schools of this caliber, but, if determined to go next year you should add one of two less selective schools to your list. Remember, the vast majority of people who apply to the top schools are qualified, but on average 85% are turned down. There are never any guarantees.
Good luck,
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Tani
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Leadership is not simply a matter of title. If you can show that you have led groups to tackle problems or projects successfully, even though you did not have formal authority, you can claim leadership. Management, after all, is getting things done through people. To the extent that you have influence what is done by others and how, you have provided leadership.
In looking at other schools, one tack is to identify an industry, or even several employers you would like to work for after graduation and find out where they interview and hire. Identify a couple of schools that have the curriculum you need and see whether there is a student blog. Current students can give you insight into where they are their classmates will be working next year. Some of my clients have even contacted the HR departments at targeted employers and asked for a 15 minute informational interview that seeks to find out what schools they prefer to hire from.
Finding schools that fit takes time and effort, but can be incredibly rewarding.
I do admissions consulting through Kaplan. https://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Business-Sc ... vices.html You can see the bios of all our consultants and then can request the individual that best meets your needs.
Good luck,
In looking at other schools, one tack is to identify an industry, or even several employers you would like to work for after graduation and find out where they interview and hire. Identify a couple of schools that have the curriculum you need and see whether there is a student blog. Current students can give you insight into where they are their classmates will be working next year. Some of my clients have even contacted the HR departments at targeted employers and asked for a 15 minute informational interview that seeks to find out what schools they prefer to hire from.
Finding schools that fit takes time and effort, but can be incredibly rewarding.
I do admissions consulting through Kaplan. https://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Business-Sc ... vices.html You can see the bios of all our consultants and then can request the individual that best meets your needs.
Good luck,
Tani Wolff
